from an unused root meaning to be exuberant in growth; lined with shrubbery; Zered, a brook East of the Dead Sea; Zared, Zered.
Transliteration:Zered
Pronunciation:zeh'-red
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma זֶרֶד (Zered, `{{H2218}}`) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical feature: a brook or wadi located east of the Dead Sea. The etymological root from which it is derived is noted as unused, yet its proposed meaning, "to be exuberant in growth," offers insight into the semantic range. This suggests a connection to a landscape characterized by abundant vegetation, specifically described as "lined with shrubbery." Therefore, the core meaning of Zered points to a place of natural vitality, likely due to the presence of water, contrasting with the often arid wilderness surroundings. It is a name that describes the physical environment of the location it identifies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זֶרֶד (Zered, `{{H2218}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Deuteronomy, within the context of Israel's wilderness journey:
* **[[Deuteronomy 2:13]]**: "Now rise up, and pass over the brook Zered." This command from the Lord marks a significant turning point in the Israelites' journey, signaling the imminent end of their long wandering.
* **[[Deuteronomy 2:14]]**: "And the days in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, were thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them." This verse explicitly links the crossing of the Brook Zered with the completion of the 38-year period of wilderness wandering. It signifies the end of the divine judgment upon the rebellious generation that had left Egypt and the death of all the fighting men from that generation, as prophesied by God. The crossing of Zered, therefore, serves as a geographical marker for the culmination of a period of divine discipline and the threshold of a new phase of the journey towards the Promised Land.
### Related Words & Concepts
While זֶרֶד (Zered, `{{H2218}}`) is a unique proper noun, its underlying etymological meaning of "exuberant growth" connects it to broader biblical themes of life, sustenance, and divine provision, even in desolate regions. Geographically, it is a נַחַל (nachal, `{{H5158}}`), a term for a wadi or brook, often seasonal, which can bring life to otherwise barren areas. Conceptually, its significance is deeply intertwined with:
* **Divine Judgment:** The 38-year period concluded at Zered represents God's righteous judgment against the generation that lacked faith and rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea.
* **Divine Faithfulness:** Despite the judgment, God remains faithful to His covenant, preserving a new generation to inherit the land.
* **Transition and New Beginning:** The crossing of Zered symbolizes a definitive break from the past and the commencement of a new chapter for Israel, now led by a generation prepared to enter Canaan.
* **Wilderness Journey:** Zered is a critical waypoint in the larger narrative of Israel's arduous journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom and the inheritance of the Promised Land.
### Theological Significance
The Brook Zered, though a mere geographical feature, carries profound theological weight within the narrative of the Pentateuch. It is not simply a physical boundary but a spiritual demarcation. The crossing of Zered signifies the definitive end of the 38-year period of divine judgment and wandering in the wilderness, during which the generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea perished. This act demonstrates God's unwavering justice and the fulfillment of His word concerning their fate.
More significantly, Zered marks the beginning of a new era for Israel. With the old, faithless generation having passed away, a new generation, born and raised under the direct tutelage of God in the wilderness, is poised to enter the Promised Land. Thus, Zered symbolizes a transition from punishment to promise, from death to new life, and from probation to imminent inheritance. It underscores God's persistent commitment to His covenant purposes, even through periods of severe discipline, ultimately leading His people towards their destiny. The very name, hinting at "exuberant growth," might subtly foreshadow the renewed vitality and fruitfulness awaiting the new generation as they approach the land of promise.
### Summary
זֶרֶד (Zered, `{{H2218}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a brook east of the Dead Sea, whose name likely derives from a root meaning "exuberant in growth" or "lined with shrubbery." Its biblical appearances are confined to [[Deuteronomy 2:13]] and [[Deuteronomy 2:14]], where its crossing by the Israelites marks a pivotal moment. Theologically, Zered represents the completion of the 38-year period of wilderness wandering and the end of divine judgment upon the rebellious generation. It serves as a powerful symbol of transition, signifying a new beginning for the people of Israel, as a new generation, prepared by God, stands on the threshold of inheriting the Promised Land. Thus, Zered is a geographical marker imbued with deep theological meaning, highlighting God's justice, faithfulness, and the renewal of His covenant purposes.
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